Résumé

Despite the economic importance of chanterelles, much remains to be known about their habitat requirements. Cantharellus cibarius var. roseocanus Redhead, Norvell & Danell sporocarp productivity was measured during three growing seasons in two Pinus banksiana Lamb. stands of boreal forest. The objective was to determine how the variability in stand, plant association, edaphic, and meteorological conditions was related to sporocarp productivity. DNA of this species was detected in organic and mineral soil horizons. Sporocarp productivity was similar for both stands, but the absence of colonies on trails at one of the sites likely reflects microenvironmental conditions that are unsuitable for chanterelle growth. Under the prevailing site conditions, preferred microhabitats were characterized by high stand density, high C:N ratio, and frequent moss presence. The Solidago puberula Nutt. - Comptonia peregrina (L.) Coulter - Pinus banksiana association, lichen presence, and as much clay and silt content as can possibly be found on this moderately acidic sandy soil favoured the productivity of this chanterelle, whereas ericaceous species presence was negatively correlated with chanterelle productivity. Positive correlations were found between total rainfall 1 week prior to fructification, air temperature 2 weeks prior to fructification, and sporocarp productivity. Results highlight the specific conditions favourable to Cantharellus cibarius var. roseocanus fructifications within these stands.